One of the first spectator sports in America arrived in Watkins Glen in April 1879. Pedestrianism, or Walking Matches, were all the rage in the late 1870s. There were two walking matches hosted by Watkins Glen. The first was held in the Freer Opera House at the corner of Franklin Street and Fourth Street (the present day site of Jerlando's Restaurant--see photo above). The men who competed in the match tested their endurance to earn cash prizes. First place received $100, the equivalent today of about $2,000. The race began on Tuesday, April 8 and ended on Saturday. The winner, Thomas Griffin, walked over 245 miles on the third floor of the Opera House. Contestants took short breaks to sleep and rest at their trainer's instruction. Local people came and watched as bands played music and refreshments were served. Gamblers bet on different aspects of the contest-- who would cover the most miles the first day? who would be the first to drop out? who would win? It is hard to imagine that those men walked around and around and around the top floor of the Opera House covering the equivalent of walking entirely around Seneca Lake everyday. People back then found this all very exciting. A second walking match took place in Watkins Glen in June 1879, and it was held under a tent on Fourth Street, where the current Watkins Sporting Goods is. In that contest, the winner walked in circles under the tent to complete 323 miles. It makes one wonder what people 100 years from now will look back at our own times and shake their heads in amazement as they contemplate: what could have made people do that?
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